The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is an essential component of the social safety net in the United States, designed to support families and individuals with limited incomes by providing benefits for the purchase of food. This program not only helps improve the nutrition of beneficiaries, but also stimulates the economy by increasing purchasing power in local stores and markets.
In Texas, the SNAP system is administered through the Lone Star Card, which is a form of Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT Card. Recipients can use this card at various points of sale, such as supermarkets and farmers’ markets, to purchase essential food products. A notable feature in Texas is the Texas Streamlined Application Project (TSAP), which facilitates the application process for households with older adults or people with disabilities. This program allows them to receive benefits for three years, instead of the usual six months, thus easing the frequency and burden of the renewal process.
Federal guidelines of eligibly for SNAP benefits
Each state administers SNAP independently, allowing for some flexibility in implementing the program based on local needs. However, there are strict federal guidelines on eligibility that must be followed. Eligibility determination is based on a set of tests including gross and net monthly income, as well as asset limits. Gross monthly income must generally be below 130% of the federal poverty level. For example, for a family of three, 130% of the poverty line in fiscal year 2025 is $2,798 per month, or approximately $33,576 annually.
Net income, defined as income after specified deductions, must be at or below the poverty level. Additionally, household assets are considered in the determination. Households without members age 60 or older, or with disabilities, must have assets of $3,000 or less, while those with such members can have assets of up to $4,500.
Household income also impacts SNAP eligibility
Income includes both earned income and income from jobs before tax deductions, as well as unearned income, which may include cash assistance, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and child support. In terms of assets, we consider those resources that could be available for the purchase of food, such as funds in bank accounts. Non-accessible items, such as one’s own home, personal property, and retirement savings, are not counted as assets. In general, most vehicles are not considered active, with some exceptions defined by each state.
Despite the assistance offered by SNAP, certain categories are not eligible to receive benefits, regardless of their income or assets. This includes individuals on strike, people without documented immigration status, certain college students, some immigrants with legal immigration status, and people with certain felony drug convictions.
An additional restriction applies to many adults ages 18 to 54 with no children at home or disabilities. In many regions, these individuals are restricted to three months of SNAP benefits every three years unless they participate in work or training activities for at least 20 hours per week. This rule, introduced by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, was temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has been reinstated and will progressively expand to include adults up to age 54 starting in October 2024, according to the of Fiscal Responsibility Act enacted in 2023.
The calculation of benefits is based on the expectation that recipient families will spend 30% of their net income on food. Families with no net income receive the maximum benefit, which is adjusted based on the cost of the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan. In August 2021, the USDA adjusted this plan, resulting in an increase in SNAP benefits, with the goal of better addressing the costs of a nutritious diet.
Texas SNAP benefits payment dates for the upcoming weeks
According to the USDA and the local SNAP authorities, here is the food stamps’ payment schedule in Texas for this week:
- EDG numbers 00-03: December 1st (already delivered)
- EDG Issues 04-06: December 2 (already delivered)
- EDG issues 07-10: December 3
- EDG Numbers 11-13: December 4th
- EDG Numbers (SNAP-Ed Connection Recipe): December 5th
- EDG Numbers 18-20: December 6
- EDG Numbers 21-24: December 7th
For 2025, maximum monthly SNAP benefits vary by household size. For example, a one-person household can receive up to $292 per month, while an eight-person household can receive up to $1,756. Net income families receive a benefit calculated by subtracting 30% of their expected net income from the maximum benefit available for their household size.